Friends Who Are Going

Friends Attending

Friends Attending

Friends Attending

Description

Recent research and reports (21st Century Public Servant , and Rethinking Public Services) indicate a paradigm shift in public service: one characterised by services co-designed with citizens, and with a far greater emphasis on experimentation, improvisation, cross boundary collaborations, and where public service workers “engage with citizens in a way that expresses their shared humanity and pooled expertise” (Needham & Mangan, 2016).

The Fire Starter Festival provides an opportunity to explore this shift in paradigm. It is unique in that it is being co-produced by services themselves, illuminating the ways in which we are already changing: the small fires that have been kindled; the learning about how these are impacting on professional identity; as well as considering the bonfires of practices and procedures that no longer serve us well. The aim is to inquire into what is happening, as it happens , with openness and curiosity, and a willingness to use the learning to shape the future of public service.

At our Launch Event on 23rd January, we will explore what is emerging for the 21st Century Public Servant and public services – a more human service? There will be an opportunity to hear about the underpinning research from the authors of the above report and from many services who will be sharing their illuminating creative, disruptive and innovative ways in which they are transforming themselves.

Who better to help us launch a Fire Starter Festival, than the Chief Officer for the Fire and Rescue Service, Alisdair Hay, who will be sharing how the service responds to the diverse needs of communities, from engaging with street gangs to homework clubs.

There are still opportunities to contribute and be part of this event. If you have a story you would like to share at the Launch please get in touch, and contact Karen Lawson or Kirsty Merriman for information.